Chamber and INNOVATE Hawaii Coordinate Tours with Manufacturers Statewide
HONOLULU (October 6, 2016) – The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii and INNOVATE Hawaii, are hosting tours of local manufacturing facilities in conjunction with National Manufacturing Day, October 7. The tours will offer an insider’s look at how Hawaii manufacturers operate and highlight the importance of manufacturing to the community and local economy. National Manufacturing Day is a statewide initiative with public tours on Hawaii Island, Kauai, Maui and Oahu with their respective Chambers of Commerce supporting tours on each of those islands. National Manufacturing Day in Hawaii is supported by INNOVATE Hawaii, the State Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism and the High Technology Development Corporation.
Governor David Ige will be issuing a proclamation designating October 7, 2016 as Manufacturing Day in Hawaii, recognizing the importance of manufacturing to Hawaii and the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii and INNOVATE Hawaii’s role in working to advance the industry.
“As the exclusive affiliate in the state of Hawaii for the National Association of Manufacturers, the Chamber seeks to increase and diversify Hawaii’s manufacturing initiatives,” said Sherry Menor-McNamara, Chamber president and CEO. “The manufacturing industry is a vital component of Hawaii’s economy and continues to flourish, supporting nearly 13,500 jobs in Hawaii, with small businesses representing approximately 85.50 percent of all exporters in Hawaii.”
National Manufacturing Day in Hawaii will feature various manufacturers throughout the state that will offer public tours of their facilities between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm on October 7, 2016. Participating local manufacturers include:
Hawaii Island
- Kona Brewing Company
- Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority (NELHA)
- Pacific Biodisel
Kauai
- Aunty Lilikoi
- Kaikini Bikini
Maui
- Maui Gold Pineapple Company
- Maui Wine
Oahu
- Hawaii Coffee Company
- Manoa Chocolate Hawaii
- Maui Divers
- Pacific Allied Products
- Rengo Packaging
- The Collective
“By partnering with the Chamber to host these free tours, we’re showcasing Hawaii’s manufacturing industry and inspiring others to make their products right here in our islands,” said INNOVATE Hawaii Director Wayne Inouye. “Hawaii is home to a diverse group of manufacturers including fashion and jewelry designers, packaging companies, and food and beverage producers. We are committed to the growth of manufactured goods from Hawaii and to helping diversify the state’s economy.”
The Chamber is leading a Manufacturing in Hawaii initiative to increase and diversify this industry in Hawaii and promote the importance of this growing industry to our state. Last year, the Chamber successfully lobbied for a $2 million Manufacturing Grant to fund manufacturers, which can be used for equipment, training, energy efficiency and the planning of a new facility.
There are over 1,000 manufacturers in Hawaii with 71 percent of the state’s export share, providing over 13,500 jobs with an average annual compensation of over $42,800 per year or 15 percent more than other private non-farm jobs.
For more information on National Manufacturing Day 2016 tours, visit the manufacturing portal on the Chamber’s website at cochawaii.org/mfg.
ABOUT Chamber of Commerce Hawaii
As the “Voice of Business” in Hawaii, the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii is the state’s leading advocacy organization. Established in 1850, the Chamber works on behalf of its approximately 1,300 member companies and the business community, as a whole, to advance the state’s economic climate and help businesses succeed. The Chamber supports its members with training, business building and networking opportunities; coordinates advocacy activities for members’ involvement; and serves as a liaison between civilian and military communities in Hawaii. Visit cochawaii.org.
About HTDC (High Technology Development Corporation)
The High Technology Development Corporation (HTDC) provides programs and services to foster innovation and diversify Hawaii’s economy. Through its incubation programs, grants, seminars, and mentorship opportunities, HTDC is investing the capital, building the infrastructure and developing the talent needed to support the state’s technology ecosystem.
HTDC’s Innovate Hawaii is a federal program of the Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST MEP). The program aids U.S. manufacturers to becoming more competitive in the global market through business assistance, grant matching programs, and expert consulting services.
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